Test Drive a Porsche Cell Phone

[mori38]

Porsche adds a mobile phone to its luxury line of watches, ties, and, of course cars. It may be the preferred accessory for those who can't afford its wheels.

Since 1948, the Porsche brand has been synonymous with sleek and fast. Cars, that is. Yet in 1972, the German automaker began designing luxury accessories, a lineup that now includes luggage, eyewear, watches, and ties. Now comes Porsche's boldest foray outside its comfort zone: On June 12, Porsche Design Group unveiled its first mobile phone, in France of course. And there are plans for more Porsche phones.

Designed by Porsche, but engineered and manufactured by France-based Sagem, the $1,600 handset will debut in Britain, Dubai, and other overseas markets later this year. The phone is expected to reach the U.S. in early 2008, possibly through Porsche auto dealerships and the five U.S. Porsche Design stores.

thx to Olga Kharif